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I am a new father with a six month old son. The mother and I are not together. She used to let me watch my son when she worked and when she was home. Once I told her I was interested in getting custody and asked her what she thought of 50/50 she freaked out on me. She took it as an insult that I was taking her baby away. I just want to have legal right to see my son, I don't need 50/50. I told her that I am very flexible and if it makes her happy, I will ask for just visitation rights. She said because I brought this up that she can't trust me alone with him and now won't let me see him unless she is also there. She said mediation probably won't work. I dont want a long legal battle and just want legal right to see my son. She was always a little strange but now she shows signs of mental illness. she is very paranoid and has a big problem with anger/temper and worry. She has had trouble working lately when I watch our son when she was at work. She makes up many allegation against me that are not true. Her grandmother is mentally ill but not institutionalized. I was never worried about the welfare of my child before but she is getting more unstable. I am pretty sure she is not abusing drugs/alcohol. I dont think she would intentionally hurt him but if something set her off I dont know what she would do. She has already threatened to kill me if I ever hurt our son. She gave an example: like if I said I was going to pick him up and forget to and he got hurt emotionally. She said she would kill anyone who hurt him and she doesn't care who knows it. Where do I begin to get custody? I am a student working part- time, can I do it without a lawyer?  I am moderately concerned for his safety. Is this a legitimate concern?